Be Your Own Boss

Have you got an idea for a business but don't know where to start with making it happen?

The Be Your Own Boss initiative could be what you need.

It's a start-up business support service to help people in Buckinghamshire turn their business dreams into a reality.

You'll be offered business support including workshops, training courses, mentoring, advice and network events.

We'll help you with everything from creating a brand to writing a business plan, marketing, sales and customer relations.

Be Your Own Boss is a partnership between Buckinghamshire Business First, Chiltern and South Bucks District Councils, Wycombe District Council. L & Q Housing Association, Red Kite Housing Association, Thames Valley Housing Association, and Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust.

Cllr John Read, portfolio holder for Economic Development at South Bucks District Council said: "Together with our partners we're providing the Be Your Own Boss initiative which anyone from the local area can apply for. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has that seed of an idea for a business but simply doesn't have the knowledge or experience to get it off the ground."

Cllr Peter Martin, portfolio holder for Economic Development at Chiltern District Council, said: "Buckinghamshire is full of entrepreneurs and has a high start-up business rate and we want to do everything we can to help that to grow. I strongly encourage anyone who might be interested to sign up to Be Your Own Boss."

The first Enterprise Day takes place on 28th September in Aylesbury, with more planned for next year at different locations across Buckinghamshire including Amersham. To join the initiative, you must attend an Enterprise Day to start the process so budding entrepreneurs are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

Philippa Batting, Managing Director, Buckinghamshire Business First, said: "We have seen over several years that Buckinghamshire has high start-up business rates bolstered by the spirit and hard work of local entrepreneurs and the help of business support agencies and local authorities in the county.

"Ensuring that business growth and survival rates are just as strong is imperative, hence this new start-up business service. There is a great will amongst local housing associations, local authorities and Buckinghamshire Business First to ensure every business that can succeed does so, and that every person with a business dream is able to access the support they need to achieve it."

To find out more about Be Your Own Boss and the support available to start-up businesses, contact Buckinghamshire Business First: 01494 927130 / BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com.